Located in Elko, Great Basin College (GBC) is home to more than 3,300 students pursuing associate's degrees and certificates. Northeastern Nevada's increasing growth and the GBC's remote location are placing demands on college's ability to meet student needs.

"Our area has seen a tremendous rate of change," said GBC President Dr. Ronald Remington. "Over the past decade, Elko has experienced a 142 percent growth in full-time equivalent enrollment. Our college must also grow to meet educational needs of our flourishing community."

Area students who want to pursue a four-year degree must often travel hundreds of miles to do so. The closest university is a mere 240 miles away in Utah.

Partnering with officials from the University and Community College System Administration, GBC will work with a consultant to determine the potential demand for bachelor's degree programs and possible enrollment figures at the college. One such upper-level program being considered is a bachelor's degree in education.

"Within the next few months, we must find out if there is not only enough demand for these programs, but also if there is enough interest to keep them going once they've started," said Chancellor Richard S. Jarvis.

Since there are currently no state funds available for the expansion of the college's programs in this area, both UCCSN and GBC officials hope to complete the study quickly in order to put funding plans in place for the next legislative session.

"Great Basin College is in an unique position," said Regent Dorothy Gallagher whose district encompasses northeastern Nevada. "This study will hopefully be the spark that starts the fire for something new and exciting."

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 76,000 students.